Chapter 3 • Verse 38
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च। यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम्॥
dhūmenāvriyate vahnir yathādarśho malena cha yatholbenāvṛito garbhas tathā tenedam āvṛitam
Meaning
As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by the womb, so knowledge is covered by desire.
Three metaphors show how desire obscures knowledge: smoke covers fire, dust covers a mirror, the womb covers an embryo. The covering can be thin or thick, but it always obscures.
Strength Reflection
"I recognize how desire clouds my knowledge and judgment. I work to clear the covering."
Devotional Surrender
Lord, clear away the smoke of desire that obscures Your light within me.